A Laboratory Manual for Criminalistics

A Laboratory Manual for Criminalistics: Introduction to Forensics for Law Enforcement Officers helps students develop a fundamental understanding of the process of forensics. The manual bridges the gap between learned material and practical application, challenging students to apply what they’ve learned in lectures to a laboratory environment.

In Unit One, students are introduced to scientific and safety procedures, system conversions, substance separations, tools and devices used in the laboratory environment, and evidence evaluation and submission techniques. Unit Two explores firearms identification and labeling, ballistics and trace metal detection, serial number restoration, and crime scene sketching. Unit Three guides students through camera identification, labeling, and use. In the final unit, students learn about fingerprint classification and identification, as well as footprint evidence and casting techniques. The manual concludes with an optional project regarding serology and blood spatter analysis.

The third edition of the manual features updated material in light of advances in technology and their impact on forensic procedures.

Featuring straightforward and easy-to-understand instruction, A Laboratory Manual for Criminalistics is an ideal resource for courses in law enforcement and policing that include a laboratory component.